How Will Fans React To the New Ford Ranger's Auto Stop-Start Technology?

The all-new 2019 Ford Ranger is headed our way. Ford has been providing more and more information on this exciting new truck model. We all know the new Ranger is going to be a huge hit, but details matter.

One detail that Ford has shared is that the new Ranger will have Auto Stop-Start technology. Auto Stop-Start shuts off the truck's engine when it comes to a stop in many situations. For example, at a stop sign, stoplight, or when the vehicle is in park. When the driver lifts his or her foot off the brake and moves it toward the accelerator pedal, the engine restarts automatically and the vehicle is ready to go in an instant. The idea is that this saves fuel. Not much that you will notice, but when millions of vehicle in America are using this technology the drips and drops of fuel saved add up to significant amounts. Automakers are incentivized by the folks who regulate corporate fuel economy for having the technology.

A little over two years ago, our editor and truck expert, Patrick Rall penned a story that took the opinion that Ford's F-150 Stop-Start technology should be embraced by owners and fans. The story was a huge hit and has been one of our most popular truck stories. Comments poured in, and continue to pour in. Mostly negative.

Torque News Reader and Commenter, Marty Wade's words echo those of many of the commenters. Mr. Wade said, "Had I known about this feature I would not have bought the truck. It might be fine, but it is not for me. I am very capable of turning the engine off when I am ready to turn it off. I also blame the salesman for not explaining this feature because I would not have purchased the truck and that is final. Sincerely, Mad Consumer."

S. Sabale jumped right in and offered support to Mr. Wade, saying, "I totally agree, I will buy used vehicle before I buy start-stop tech.!!!"

There are always two sides to a story and this topic is no different. Almost every new vehicle we test these days has Auto Stop-Start. In some, vehicles it is a pain in the neck. In some others, we hardly notice it. In almost all there is a temporary Auto Stop-Start disable function. This system can drive you nuts in city stop and go traffic and we frequently hit that button to shut it off. However, in every vehicle we have tested, it always comes back on when the vehicle is restarted (or if you want it to come back on and simply tap the button again).

What say you, Ranger fans? Are you a fan of the idea of Ford getting a small Corporate Average Fuel Economy credit and helping to reduce fuel usage in America, or would you prefer not to have your new Ranger shutting itself off at stops?